Changing doctors

arynras · September 2014

Has anyone here ever changed doctors mid-pregnancy? I'm 28 weeks and my doctor is the worst. I've seen 2 other doctors at her practice and none of them have made me feel comfortable. I have recommendations of other doctors from 2 coworkers but I don't know how I just switch doctors this late...I'm already paying this practice for my labor and delivery costs. Does anyone know how that works??

rshamos · September 2014

No idea how the financial side works, but I would say check with your potential new doctor to see if they even take patients as far into the pregnancy as you are before you fire your old OB. Good luck!

erynpdx · September 2014

I think it's worth checking into if you're uncomfortable. I know a girl just joined the practice I'm at in her 6th month, so it's not impossible!

Eora3 · September 2014

During a previous pregnancy I changed my OB office. I would suggest that you request copies of all your medical records (before you tell them you are leaving the practice). Ask for copies of all doctor notes and lab results as well. They can charge you a small fee for this but it is better to have it all yourself than have to pay to repeat tests later because they "lost your record".

Call the business office/billing office and say you are moving and will need your delivery prepayments refunded. Look back through your own financial records and make sure you know how much you have paid them towards your delivery.

Cheekers2010 · September 2014

I switched at 35 weeks with my son. Not because I wanted to but because I had to. It was no big deal.

frenchy816 · September 2014

I will be switching after my next few appointments, but I'm sad b/c I love my MW. I'm switching to the sister practice which is a 'midwifery' so I can be sure to have a midwife at delivery. My MW is currently the only one in her practice.

ETA: I have no idea about the financial costs or anything like that because this has been planned since we got KU.

arynras · September 2014

rshamos said:
No idea how the financial side works, but I would say check with your potential new doctor to see if they even take patients as far into the pregnancy as you are before you fire your old OB. Good luck!

The new doctors office said I have to sign a release for them to fax my records and he will have to look at them before he decides if he will take me this late. So now I'm worried, what if he doesn't and then I have no care??

arynras · September 2014

Also, they gave me the drink for the glucose test and I'm supposed to drink it next week then just go in for blood work (because you know they forgot to do it when they were supposed to). I was gonna sign the release for paperwork when I do that but is that a bad idea? Like should I just wait to take the glucose test until I switch doctors and will that transfer over with my other records as soon as the results come in?

ColeyCannoli · September 2014

arynras said:

Also, they gave me the drink for the glucose test and I'm supposed to drink it next week then just go in for blood work (because you know they forgot to do it when they were supposed to). I was gonna sign the release for paperwork when I do that but is that a bad idea? Like should I just wait to take the glucose test until I switch doctors and will that transfer over with my other records as soon as the results come in?

I don't think this will be a big deal either way. The glucose test results come back in seconds and should be immediately added to your chart while you are there. But if you aren't liking your doctor or practice, I don't think it's a bad idea to wait until you see your new one to take it. I'm not comfortable with how they forgot to have you do it before and it doesn't fill me with much confidence that they'll quickly and easily transfer your info. It might be easier and more accurate if taken at a better office. Though the sooner you can transfer, the better.

Good luck!

rshamos · September 2014

arynras said:

No idea how the financial side works, but I would say check with your potential new doctor to see if they even take patients as far into the pregnancy as you are before you fire your old OB. Good luck!
The new doctors office said I have to sign a release for them to fax my records and he will have to look at them before he decides if he will take me this late. So now I'm worried, what if he doesn't and then I have no care??

Having records sent over doesn't mean you are changing necessarily. It sounds like most women were ok when they switched. I wouldn't ask for a refund until your new OB formally accepts you. You'll be fine!

arynras · September 2014

RaeChay said:

arynras said:

rshamos said:
No idea how the financial side works, but I would say check with your potential new doctor to see if they even take patients as far into the pregnancy as you are before you fire your old OB. Good luck!
The new doctors office said I have to sign a release for them to fax my records and he will have to look at them before he decides if he will take me this late. So now I'm worried, what if he doesn't and then I have no care??

First off- unless the new doc isn't taking patients, and as long as you're not high risk, is there any reason you can think of that they won't take you on as a new patient?

Second - just because you sign a release and transfer records does not mean that you are now cut off from your current OB's care. All they did is faxed some records, you didn't burn a bridge for life.

Third- it really won't matter one way or another if you take your glucose test now or wait til you see a new OB. It's just a lab result that can be easily faxed to the new OB. Alternately, to echo a PP - maybe you'd rather wait til you see the new OB as it sounds like you think you have a chance of receiving better care there (I think that's what I would do).

Don't stress. People change MDs all the time, for all different reasons - if your old OB even noticed you switched (doubtful), he will certainly not be butt hurt over it.

ETA: what exactly do you mean by the statement "I'm already paying this practice for my L&D costs"? I have never heard of a practice (or more typically, a hospital) charging for L&D before you actually go into labor. How does this work?

I had to start making payments on my L&D costs like the minute I went in to confirm pregnancy. They wanted it to be fully paid by 24 weeks but I told them there was no way. My deductible is 1500. So they gave me until October. So now I only have one payment of about 300 left, not counting the 200 dollar sonogram I still have to pay for because apparently they don't send all my payments to my insurance until AFTER the birth so really I'm paying more than my deductible.

ABurries · September 2014

I just switched doctors as well because of moving and it's been a very smooth transition. But I did have to beg the new doctor to take me because I'm "too far along." She ended up being the nicest lady! Good luck to you.

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arynras · September 2014

RaeChay said:
WOW! Is that even legal?? I can't believe doctors are charging people for L&D from the minute they walk in the door!! And the way they handle your insurance? Like seriously, this actually fucking blows my mind. Well I hope for the future at least that you (or anyone else that reads this) would NEVER EVER EVER agree to paying L&D in advance!

I mean, my mind just fills with possibilities....what if you miscarry and you've paid a good chunk down already? What if the baby has a nonviable condition? What if you're out of town and go into premature labor (or term labor while out of town)? What if your OB ends up sucking rat balls and you want to switch doctors? I could go on.

I'm sorry, I know you're in a crappy spot and I'm not trying to make you feel worse - I just have never heard of this and it would make me so extremely wary of what kind of snake oil that OB was trying to sell if I have to pay up front...like if I'm making payments to you now, why on earth would it matter if I make payments later? Are you having trouble making your Mercedes payment? Is the lake house in need of repair?

omg /endrant. Again I'm sorry. I used to be in sales and I am sooo suspicious of bad salesmen. And that clinic sounds like a bad sales pitch.

Anyways - can you get your L&D money back? I'd be seeking legal recourse if they don't refund you. I'd also want to know how the new place handles insurance and payments, etc. I really hate the entire financial end of all this... not the part about buying baby stuff but all the medical costs and unpaid mat leave etc that go with it...it seems wrong somehow.

I know it. I'm learning the hard way. I'm gonna call my insurance Monday morning to see what they say. I'm taking half a day off Monday morning to try to figure everything out. I really hope it doesn't end up being a wasted half a day!

arynras · September 2014

RaeChay said:
ohhhh I am sad for the situation they put you in. And I agree with you @katehgee, it is just disgusting the way people just get screwed over by the medical community - old folks in particular. It's heart wrenching. These little old people on fixed incomes...ugh.

@arynras I hope you're able to make some good headway on monday and that they don't throw too many roadblocks in your way.

Thank you, me too!

Eora3 · September 2014

My OB's office asks you to prepay for your copay/coinsurance amount AFTER insurance.

The billing office actually checks with the insurance company and verifies what copays/coinsurance would be for a basic vaginal delivery and then that is what they go off of. I actually don't mind making payments toward it because I know my c-section will be more and this way my bill isn't so bad later.

I don't think they can force you to pay upfront but I think it is becoming standard for a lot of practices to ask. I can understand why they do it especially when it is a small doctor-owned practice. If you skip out on the bill, it's not like they can take the baby back. Lol!

Eora3 · September 2014

RaeChay said:
@Eora3: that's true, there are a TON of people that skip out on medical bills. Medical & insurance costs wouldn't be what they are now if that wasn't the case. I just find it extremely sketchy for ANY business of ANY kind to ask you to pay for a product or service months before you ever receive it (I guess except for books maybe? lol). However if you're happy to pre-pay & that works best for everyone, that's awesome.

I guess it's kinda like "baby layaway". Lol! I know my prepayment paperwork specifically states that overpayments will be refunded in full so I am not as worried about it.

jjaxbie · September 2014

I think it depends on your area. I had to switch dr's two weeks ago (OB resigned) and both practices require prepayment for services that they will bill to the insurance at time of delivery, so the deductible and any co-insurance. What i didn't meet in my deductible with the first OB now gets paid to the new OB, and any pre-paid to the old for future services is getting refunded. Hospital bills will come after the delivery and the OB's office will refund any over payment. Super confusing and I know for sure that we'll initially over pay this year and it sucks, but I don't know what other option there is.

Just means that I have to watch the mail really closely and question any bill that looks like it's more than my co-insurance percentage. Yuck - because you know all new moms have oodles of time to mess with insurance paperwork etc.

Meether · September 2014

I switched at 35 weeks with my first. They just asked for the files to review it and then told me I was clear. I know midwives don't take patients later in their pregnancies.

AlwaysForgetful · September 2014

I am 28 weeks and am switching. I actually just called the OB I want to switch to an hour ago.

Wow, I guess we are lucky about not paying all the delivery costs and what not. We have to meet our deductible, but that is met by 4-5 months into the year. Then I think the most we paid was $300-$400 afterwards for extra costs associated with the hospital. I am a Csection and they keep me 5 days (hate the 5 days instead of 3). IDK if any of that makes a difference.

arynras · September 2014

AlwaysForgetful said:
I am 28 weeks and am switching. I actually just called the OB I want to switch to an hour ago.

Wow, I guess we are lucky about not paying all the delivery costs and what not. We have to meet our deductible, but that is met by 4-5 months into the year. Then I think the most we paid was $300-$400 afterwards for extra costs associated with the hospital. I am a Csection and they keep me 5 days (hate the 5 days instead of 3). IDK if any of that makes a difference.

Yeah it was because I hadn't met my deductible yet. They said they will refund me, just not sure how long if will take so we will probably have to pay double upfront and just get refunded later on. Grrr. I made an appointment with a new doctor for next week and signed over my records today. Hopefully they will get my records before my appointment. I still haven't had my glucose test and need to get that done! I hope this doctor is as good as his reviews say he is. I'm so nervous now since I've had such a bad experience with 3 other doctors (all from the same practice though and the new one is a different practice). Wish me luck.

bowlwoman · September 2014

Sigh. I'm being forced to switch doctor's most likely. My OB nurse told me today at my appointment that my OB has cancer, and today was his last day of seeing patients through the end of the year. They're bringing in another doctor to see patients on Mondays and Wednesdays, and most likely I'll be delivered by one of the doctors he shares on-call duties with (they all have private practices and share on-call duties in a collective-type arrangement).

So, I'm bummed because now I'll have to deal with a different doctor, after having this one for 9 years and him seeing me through most of my infertility issues and all my pregnancies, and I'm super sad for him and his family. He's supposed to have surgery either this week or early next, and the OB nurse said they'll find out more after the surgery.

orange1414 · September 2014

I changed last week at 25 weeks. It's not having any financial impact, but it has been a pain with records. It is worth if because I was SO done with my old OB group.

BabyRN2009 · September 2014

My OB's office does exactly what @Eora3‌ said. They went thru my insurance and calculated approximate/expected costs of care for my entire pregnancy and delivery (physician fee for delivery, does not include hospital charges), then sent me a bill reflecting my portion. It came out to a little over $300, so I just paid it. I'd rather spread the bills out a little and pay now than during maternity leave when I won't be making my full income.

To the OP, your old OB should refund you for anything you've paid that exceeds the amount of care you've already received. :-)

arynras · September 2014

BabyRN2009 said:
My OB's office does exactly what @Eora3‌ said. They went thru my insurance and calculated approximate/expected costs of care for my entire pregnancy and delivery (physician fee for delivery, does not include hospital charges), then sent me a bill reflecting my portion. It came out to a little over $300, so I just paid it. I'd rather spread the bills out a little and pay now than during maternity leave when I won't be making my full income.

To the OP, your old OB should refund you for anything you've paid that exceeds the amount of care you've already received. :-)

They said they will refund me, just not sure how long it will take. Blegh. I have an appointment with a new doctor next week and my old OB is supposed to send over my records...we'll see if they actually do...grrr.

amieeyoung · September 2014

Eora3 said:

My OB's office asks you to prepay for your copay/coinsurance amount AFTER insurance. The billing office actually checks with the insurance company and verifies what copays/coinsurance would be for a basic vaginal delivery and then that is what they go off of. I actually don't mind making payments toward it because I know my c-section will be more and this way my bill isn't so bad later. I don't think they can force you to pay upfront but I think it is becoming standard for a lot of practices to ask. I can understand why they do it especially when it is a small doctor-owned practice. If you skip out on the bill, it's not like they can take the baby back. Lol!

This is what mine does- In fact I should be "billed" in a few weeks (usually they said between wk 28-30). This is for a standard vaginal birth and they said there can be additional things later that they may send a bill for (such as anesthesiologist, other bills if you have a c-section). But I kind of like getting a chance to start paying it. I wish though that they could give you a bill earlier so you know exactly how much you owe as well as a list of what other costs could be so you can estimate what you think you may have in additional charges.

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